It’s hard to put into words just how much Aretha Franklin meant to the world of music. The legendary "Queen of Soul" passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at the age of 76 after a long battle with an undisclosed type of cancer. Her voice, her presence, and her incredible talent will forever be remembered in the hearts of millions.
According to TMZ, the music icon was surrounded by her family and close friends in her Detroit home at the time of her passing. It’s a heartbreaking moment, but one that speaks to the love and support she had around her until the very end.
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Aretha’s Final Journey
Aretha’s publicist confirmed the heartbreaking news to the Associated Press. Her family released a statement through her publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, sharing their deep sorrow with the world. The statement reads:
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Franklin, 76 years old, passed away on Thursday morning, August 16 at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, MI, surrounded by family and loved ones. Franklin’s official cause of death was advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, confirmed by her oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, MI.”
Her family expressed their immense grief, saying, “In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds.”
“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters, and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
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Words From the City of Detroit
David Shepardson, the mayor of Detroit, also confirmed the news in a statement. Here’s what he had to say:
Detroit mayor confirms death of Aretha Franklin pic.twitter.com/cx0cp1N3N5
— David Shepardson (@davidshepardson) August 16, 2018
This sad news came just days after RadarOnline reported that the 76-year-old was “gravely ill” in Detroit. Showbiz 411 also shared that her family was “asking for prayers and privacy” during this difficult time. She had been under hospice care for some time.
A Legacy of Music and Influence
Aretha was known for timeless hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Over her illustrious career, she won 18 Grammys and became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her music wasn’t just sound; it was soul, and it touched millions of lives around the world.
